Jess came to VHB as a co-op while earning her master’s degree at Northeastern University, after dual majoring in physics and math as an undergraduate. Nearly four years later, she is working on impactful projects, helping lead VHB’s Embodied Carbon Community of Practice, and stepping into her first people leadership role.

This article is the latest in our series highlighting the experiences of VHB team members across the company. This is Jess’s story.

8:00 a.m. | Arriving in Watertown

I grew up driving over the Zakim Bridge, and it always felt like a grand welcome to the city of Boston. I didn’t know then that I would end up designing bridges, but I sometimes think about that on my way in.

A high school teacher recognized that I was strong in math and planted the idea of engineering. It stayed in the back of my mind through college, where I built my own path and dual majored in physics and math. Then, I took an elective called Art and Engineering of Structures and wrote a paper on the Zakim. That was the first time I connected my fascination with structures to my aptitude in math.

8:30 a.m. | Project Team Touchbase

Most days I have one major bridge project in progress, plus a handful of smaller tasks. Right now, the major one is a Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) design-build project in Springfield, where VHB is serving as the owner’s representative. We’re developing the concept design for other firms to bid on, and once the project is awarded, we will review the design-build teams' submissions alongside MassDOT.

The team meets to go over any changes that came out of conversations with clients or contractors, and we all review our action items. This is my first time on a project where we sit on the owner’s side, and I’m looking forward to seeing that process through. 

9:30 a.m. | Thursday Breakfast

After our meeting, I head over to the structures group common area. Every Thursday, someone in our group brings breakfast. It’s a small thing, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the week. People drift over, and you end up talking to someone you might not have crossed paths with otherwise.

A good day for me has an even balance of solo work time and that constant buzz of collaboration in the office. Thursdays usually bring both.

10:00 a.m. | Welcoming a New Team Member

When I started my master’s at Northeastern, I knew I wanted to do a co-op. It struck me as the most valuable way to kickstart a career in engineering. I went to VHB’s open house, and the company stood out right away. The hiring process was collaborative and fun, and once I landed in the structures group, I found support, mentorship, and room to grow. 

This week, one of our co-ops returned full-time, and I’m her manager. It’s my first time in a people leadership role, and I’m excited to pay forward the mentorship I’ve received.

My own experience showed me how much a patient, approachable mentor matters. Early on, it’s easy to hesitate before asking for help. But I’ve learned that nobody expects you to have all the answers yet. Asking questions is what accelerates learning. I want our incoming team members to know that I’m always available and happy to help them in any way I can.

11:30 a.m. | Embodied Carbon Subject Matter Experts

Around the time I started my co-op, Ken Donald, who is now my manager, joined VHB's structures group as carbon reduction lead. I learned about embodied carbon from his presentations and came away both alarmed by the numbers and motivated to do something about them.

As my co-op ended, I asked about dedicating part of my time to embodied carbon while I finished my master’s. Ken and I started meeting regularly, and the Embodied Carbon Community of Practice (CoP) grew out of those conversations. Communities of practice at VHB are groups that form around a shared interest or discipline, so we can share what we know and strengthen our skills. Each Thursday, a group of embodied carbon subject matter experts convenes to discuss action items, new developments, and coordinate our monthly CoP meeting.

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, from raw material extraction through on-site placement. Once a project is built, that carbon is locked in. Our projects are mostly steel and concrete, which account for eight percent and seven percent of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. Those numbers put into perspective the impact we can have through the choices we make as designers.

1:00 p.m. | Project Collaboration

This afternoon, I’m working with another project team. I spend a good share of my week collaborating with other teams, whether that’s answering questions on our embodied carbon calculation template or reviewing shop drawings from other VHB groups.

That kind of collaboration often extends beyond Watertown. One project I am proudest of was a large interchange managed out of our Rhode Island office. Our structures team here took on two of the bridges, allowing the project to draw on the right people regardless of which office they sit in—a great example of the OneVHB approach in action.

3:30 p.m. | Social Planning Activities Committee

I joke that I professionally juggle. I’m involved in many things, from volunteering at our co-op open houses to planning team social events. 

I helped plan the New England Olympics, the first event of its kind at VHB. The committee included people from different teams, and we learned as we went. Seeing everyone gather and compete in Watertown over two days of activities was worth every planning meeting, and I hope it gave people a chance to make new connections or show off a talent nobody knew about.

What keeps me saying yes is that I'm never doing any of it alone. A supportive team is always just as invested in the outcome, which makes it all more fun.

Evening | Making Connections

Tonight, I am having dinner with Bill Ashworth, our president and CEO, along with a few colleagues. The dinner was up for bid in VBay, our annual VHB Cares charity auction. A member of our structures team won it and invited four of us, all part of Watertown’s Emerging Professional Group (EPG). The EPG has created many opportunities like this, and I’m so grateful. Being part of these groups really helps me feel connected to our company’s goals and mission.

My advice to anyone considering structural engineering or VHB is to ask questions, build connections, and take advantage of every opportunity. Find a mentor who understands your goals, and work with them to create the right path. And have fun along the way!

Learn more about VHB’s early career opportunities, or explore all open positions across our footprint to find where you can make an impact.